Snowdonia (Welsh: Eryri) is a region in north Wales. It is also a national park of 838 square miles (2,170 km2) in area. It was the first national park in Wales, set up in 1951. It is the largest national park in Wales and includes the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the largest natural lake in Wales.[1] Before 1951, the word Snowdonia was used for the much smaller area around Snowdon itself. The which includes the national park is twice as large.

Before it was a national park, the name "Snowdonia" was used to describe "Snowdon," a small area north of Gwynedd. Today, the national park covers an area that is two times larger than the area originally called Snowdonia. The park covers areas as far south as Meirionnydd. The original Snowdonia includes Snowdon, and three other mountain ranges: the Glyderau, the Carneddau and the Moel Siabod group. The hills that are south of Maentwrog are not part of the original Snowdonia.

Snowdonia National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) was started in 1951. It was the third national park in Britain. It makes up 827 square miles (2,140 km2), and has 37 miles (60 km) of coastline in its border.[3][4] The park is ran by the Snowdonia National Park Authority. The park has lands that are owned by private people and also by the public.

Snowdonia has many historic sites, including Stone Age burial chambers, Iron agehill forts, Roman forts, churches, and medieval castles. There are also industrial sites including large slate quarries, copper mines, and woolen mills.[5] More than 26,000 people live in Snowdonia.[6][7] The area attracts over six million visitors every year.[8] Most of the land is either open or mountainous land, but there is also some farm-land. Snowdonia National Park does not include the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, which is like an island in the centre of the park.

People can hike the area, primarily in Snowdon. People can hike the Snowdon Mountain Railway all the way to the top of the mountain.[9] People also hike other mountains in the area such as Tryfan and lower areas that aren't very mountainous. There are 1,479 miles (2,380 km) of footpaths that go through the park. 164 miles (264 km) bridleways are also in the area for people to ride horses.[10] The park also has many areas that are within Right to Roam laws.